INTERVIEW - COLIN SHAH

As IIJS 2021 gears up to resuscitate the trade sentiment with its comeback physical show in Sept 2021, Colin Shah, Chairman, GJEPC speaks to Soma Bhatta about its role in steering domestic policies, plans to scale up India footprint, and why it needs to first build domestic demand in order to become a reliable

- Soma Bhatta

Soma Bhatta (SB): IIJS is making a strong comeback post-Covid with a slew of new trade shows in different formats. What is the driving force behind this new approach?

Colin Shah (CS): IIJS is one of the five global trade shows that stood the test of time. Growing from strength to strength, we are starting the 37th show after a hiatus of nearly two years. There is a new energy to revive the trade sentiment. Our decades of proven expertise also make it possible for us to quickly scale up to introduce regional and boutique shows.

We see tremendous opportunity in creating access for retailers in hinterlands through regional shows. The boutique show aligns with the larger need of retailers to buy specialized jewellery.

Unlike most other trade shows, there is a larger altruistic purpose to expanding our portfolio of shows. We channelize the profits to trade development. Our recent collaboration with World Gold Council and ongoing association with Natural Diamond Council is testimony to that.

TRJ: In a landmark initiative the GJEPC, often looked upon as the premier trade body for diamond promotion, has contributed and collaborated with WGC. How did it come about?